WRESTLING: Greencastle-Antrim optimistic about 2012-13 season

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By Ben Destefan

Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA

By Ben Destefan

Posted Dec. 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM

By Ben Destefan

Posted Dec. 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM

GREENCASTLE — A solid group of returning seniors paired with a few promising newcomers has provided a sense of optimism for the Greencastle-Antrim varsity wrestling team as it heads into the 2012-13 season.

The Blue Devils open their campaign tonight at home against Gettysburg in hopes of changing the fortunes of a program that finished 0-12 in dual meets a year ago.

"I look for us to improve on last year's results," G-A head coach Fred Yelton said. "We have a great group of seniors that are providing excellent leadership, a nice group of other returners and a few new kids. I feel like we have a real nice team with good chemistry and the little intangibles that you look for."

Without question, the biggest story over the next few months will surround accomplished standout Cody Carbaugh, who returns for his senior season as a perennial state qualifier.

As a junior, Carbaugh finished fourth at the District 3 tournament, one place shy of a PIAA berth.

Carbaugh boasted an overall match record of 29-3 last year, highlighted by three convincing victories at the Section I championships en route to the title at 106.

Now set for his final go-round, Carbaugh has bumped up a weight class to 113, with a trip to states in his sights.

"Cody is looking stronger than ever," Yelton, now in his 14th year, said. "He has committed himself to taking his wrestling to the next level. He has done everything in his power to make himself better. I am very excited to see what his season holds."

Adding to G-A's talented cast of experienced upperclassmen is the senior trio of Wade Rider, Ryan Wolf and Aryan Bowen while Dwight Henning and Jensen Stoner, who missed last year due to injury, return as a pair of solid juniors.

Complementing the veterans is a duo of exciting sophomores brought up from the middle school in Wyatt Binkley and Jared Starliper, both of whom Yelton expects to make an immediate impact.

Yelton is also looking for contributions from first-year varsity wrestlers Geoffrey Helfrick, James Fletcher and Conor Bryant, who will alleviate several of the forfeits G-A was forced to concede a season ago.

"We have more kids and more experience which should make us a more competitive team," Yelton said. "I still believe our strength is our seniors, certainly one of my strongest classes in terms of leadership abilities. Very solid students, solid wrestlers and excellent role models for the younger guys."